The New York Liberty has decided to part ways with head coach Sandy Brondello, a move that general manager Jonathan Kolb describes as proactive rather than reactive. This decision follows a disappointing season that saw the team, despite its championship success in 2024, exit the playoffs in the first round after finishing fifth in the standings. Kolb emphasized the need for “evolution and innovation” within the organization, stating that these changes represent pivotal moments for the franchise.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Kolb noted, “You can stand still or you can embrace change and move forward, and my commitment is to keep pushing the New York Liberty to new heights.” Brondello, who led the Liberty to their first WNBA Championship in 2024, concluded her tenure with a record of 107 wins and 53 losses over four seasons, making her the winningest coach in the franchise’s history.
The Liberty’s performance during the 2025 season was marred by injuries, resulting in a notable drop in win percentage. The team went from a remarkable 32-8 record in 2024 to a 27-17 finish, marking the second-largest decline in the league. Kolb acknowledged that injuries to key players, including two-time MVP Breanna Stewart and 2024 Finals MVP Jonquel Jones, significantly impacted the season. Brondello was forced to utilize a record-tying 18 different starting lineups due to these challenges.
Despite the players’ support for Brondello, Kolb clarified that the decision to change coaches was not solely based on this season’s outcomes. He indicated that considerations for a coaching change were already under discussion last season. “This is not a results-based organization,” Kolb explained. “It’s about how do we position ourselves to be at the top of the league in a real sustainable way as the league evolves.”
The Liberty’s decision comes after a disappointing playoff exit against the Phoenix Mercury in a Game 3 loss. Kolb acknowledged the players’ advocacy for Brondello, stating, “While we pride ourselves in being a player-led organization, there’s a level of trust that leadership will make decisions, and ultimately, the decision’s mine.”
Looking ahead, Kolb expressed confidence that key players, including Stewart and 2020 No. 1 pick Sabrina Ionescu, will return for the 2026 season. However, many of the team’s veterans, including those who contributed to the 2024 championship run, will enter free agency as the league prepares for a new collective bargaining agreement.
Kolb mentioned that there is no rush to find Brondello’s replacement, indicating that the organization has a “clear vision” for the future. He noted that they will consider a broad range of candidates, irrespective of their WNBA experience. The coaching landscape has seen a growing number of individuals with NBA backgrounds, such as Becky Hammon of Las Vegas and Nate Tibbetts of Phoenix, which may influence the search.
“We need to nail this,” Kolb stated regarding the importance of the upcoming coaching decision. He underscored the commitment to providing players with the best possible leadership moving forward.
As the Liberty prepares for the offseason, Kolb faces the challenge not just of securing a new coach but also of reshaping the roster. Currently, only Leonie Fiebich and Nyara Sabally are under contract for the 2026 season. Kolb sees this period as a significant opportunity, both for the Liberty and other teams, due to the high number of free agents expected to enter the market.
“This is honestly probably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many franchises,” Kolb concluded, highlighting the potential for dramatic changes within the league as teams look to build competitive rosters for the upcoming season.
